HIV Rash

What causes an HIV rash?

A rash is a raised or flat inflamed area of skin that typically results in reddened, itchy and/or painful skin
patches. Rashes are a common occurrence for individuals with HIV. For HIV-positive people, a rash can be caused by many
things, including--

A rash can be a symptom of an HIV infection

A rash can be a symptom of another infection or illness someone with HIV is trying to fight off

A rash can be a side effect of HIV medications

A rash may be a side effect of other medications being taken

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Rashes as a sign of an acute HIV infection

Rashes are one of the most common symptoms of an acute (new) HIV infection, according to the National Institutes of
Health (NIH). The acute stage of an HIV infection is the most contagious stage because the amount of the virus is
highest at this point of infection. It is important to get tested for HIV if you suspect
that a rash you have could be a sign of having contracted HIV. The sooner you get tested for HIV, the sooner you can
know your status and avoid potentially spreading the virus to others.

Rashes as a symptom of other infections

Many illnesses and infections can cause a rash. Since HIV attacks immune cells, the body of an individual with HIV is
especially susceptible to contracting other diseases and infections since the immune system is already weakened from
trying to fend off the HIV virus. This helps to make it easy for other infections to wreak havoc on the body, many of
which may have a rash as a symptom.

Rashes as a result of medications, including HIV medication

Rashes are a common side effect to many medications. According to the NIH, HIV medicines in all HIV drug classes can
cause a rash. Typically if a rash is occurring as a side effect of an HIV medication, your doctor may switch you to
another medicine. Most rashes related to HIV medications will resolve themselves over time (frequently after several
days or weeks) and are not severe, however, in rare instances, a rash can be a sign of a serious, and sometimes life-
threatening condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome or SJS.

SJS is a rare but life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction reported with use of some HIV medicines. Those taking
HIV medicines need to know about this condition as it can cause death.

Symptoms of SJS include fever; pain or itching of the skin; swelling of the tongue and face; blisters that develop on
the skin and mucous membranes, especially around the mouth, nose, and eyes; and a rash that starts quickly and may
spread.

A severe hypersensitivity reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. SJS must be
treated immediately, so seek medical attention immediately or call 911 if you think you are experience SJS.

HIV medications that have been associated with SJS or a hypersensitivity reaction include nevirapine (branded as:
Viramune) and abacavir (branded as: Ziagen).